As we farewell Jeff from his role as Chair of our Community Advisory Panel (CAP), we reflect on the lasting impact he has made in strengthening the voice of lived experience in our work.
Jeff has been a valued member of the CAP since 2017, stepping up to Deputy Chair in 2022 and Chair in 2023. During this time, he helped advance the role of the CAP and embed it as a meaningful and influential part of the research process.
Reflecting on his tenure, Jeff points to the growing maturity and impact of the Panel as a key highlight.
“The Community Advisory Panel plays an increasingly critical role in the development of new trial concepts that may improve patient outcomes, and that for me has been an exciting growth.”
“To see this growth in concept reviews to the point of now having CAP members specialising in Upper or Lower GI has been very rewarding.”
Jeff also supported initiatives that strengthened collaboration and learning across the organisation.
“Having expert guest speakers at our monthly CAP meetings has been a great success and educational to the whole team. I’m quite proud of this program and believe it’s helped build confidence and awareness in the team.”
Over the course of his time on the CAP, Jeff has seen a shift in how lived experience is understood and applied in research.
“The role of lived experience has changed from an individual caring focus to a much broader evidence-based concept. We also need to be aware of the survivorship and what that might mean, not just to the patient, but also carers and family,” he said.
“We are seeing individuals with a wider range of expertise, skills and life experience playing a role in shaping treatments designed for the individual.”
Looking ahead, Jeff is confident the CAP will continue to strengthen its role in shaping patient-centred research and driving meaningful impact.
“I believe the CAP will continue to grow and play a significant and meaningful role in the co-design and review of treatment options, helping to improve our research and maintain a strong focus on equity for patients.”
Jeff is passionate about encouraging others with lived experience to get involved, knowing the real difference they can make in improving patient outcomes.
“I would strongly urge anyone considering supporting medical research to put it on the to-do-list. Community Advisory Panels need people with lived experience to include real-world insights into research that reflect patient concerns and help build trust in the health system.”
We thank Jeff for his dedication and commitment to ensuring lived experience remains at the heart of our research. His contribution has helped shape a stronger, more inclusive approach that will continue to benefit people with GI cancer into the future.